Automotive picture and data acquisition center and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for the automatic or semi-automatic acquisition of multiple photographs and VIN-coded information about an automobile. In one embodiment, four height-adjustable, digital cameras are positioned on four corner posts defining a work center. A vehicle is pulled into the center until a stop indicator light is triggered, at which time an attendant scans the bar coded VIN number and reviews the proposed photographs of the vehicle at a work center computer. Once the photographs and data are acceptable, the attendant triggers a download of the information to local and industry databases. Alternate embodiments include Alternate embodiments include work centers with different post configurations, manual entry systems, and completely automated centers.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a processing station and method for thesemi-automatic acquisition of photographs and descriptive data forautomobiles and other vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Currently, vehicle databases typically incorporate information from avariety of sources including one or more photograph and specificinformation such as price, year, make, model, sub-model or ‘series’(like 2001 Ford F-150 XL Lariat), engine, transmission, color, number ofdoors, features, equipment options, and accessories related to thevehicle.

The photographs are typically provided as a contract service where acontractor visits the car dealer and takes one or more pictures of thevehicles which are new to the dealer's lot within a given period oftime. Typically, a contractor such as Dealer Specialties Internationalor VIN Systems will also obtain each vehicle's VIN number (VehicleIdentification Number) and record the vehicle's visible characteristicsand options. The contractor will then process the VIN informationoffsite and upload information to one or more databases such as thatwhich may be found at getauto.com and other web sites. The contractorwill then typically return to the dealer's lot with a window sticker forthe vehicle. This service has evolved over the years from a windowsticker service in an attempt to meet the demands for electronicavailability of information. The most common use of vehicle informationis to update Internet or shared databases where a buyer can, forinstance, determine which automobiles are available through particulardealers. The information may also be re-entered into a dealer's internaldatabase or software. Internal databases and software are typically usedto support sales and accounting functions within a dealership.

The current data acquisition cycle usually takes several days, often7-14 days, to complete, so the dealer may have incomplete informationfor that period of time, or the dealer may be limited in its ability tosell the vehicle online while the information is being processed.Objectives of the current invention include cutting the costs foracquiring vehicle information, and making that information availableimmediately available to the dealer and his sales network upon thedealer's receipt of a vehicle.

A further objective of the current invention is to facilitate thegathering of the information in a manner that is consistent withexisting business operations.

With the current invention, a dealer or a single contractor can obtain,in a short period of time, information which currently originates fromseveral sources. Another advantage of the current invention is toimprove the quality and consistency of digital images used in thedatabases. A further advantage is to automatically load complete vehicledata into the dealer's back-office sales and accounting system.

In addition to the current data acquisition service procedures, theprior art includes specialized vehicle identification devices such aslarge transparent bar codes and radio frequency transmitters; and itincludes networks of computers or specialized software to assist in avehicle valuation, damage inspection, vehicle sales, etc. There is aneed for an apparatus and method to support a more efficient gatheringand consolidation of vehicle images and data.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,776 issued Nov. 2, 1999 to Seretti, et al, describesa vehicular data exchange system to permit auctioning and rapiddetermination of a sales price for a used vehicle. The Seretti patentclaims multiple computer terminals, a processor, and an alarm device toalert an operator of responses to inquiries about a vehicle. U.S. Pat.No. 6,076,0649 issued Jun. 13, 2000 to Rose, describes a centralizedsystem for tracking titles to motor vehicles and other property. Anobject of the present invention is to efficiently provide theinformation needed for electronic applications such as that described inthe Seretti and Rose patents.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,389 issued Nov. 13, 1990 to Danforth, describes astationary bar code reader mounted at a height that permits it to read alarge bar code pattern on a vehicle windshield as a moving vehiclepasses the reader. The bar code is preferably provided in the frontwindshield in a manner that is invisible to the human eye. An object ofthe present invention is to capture data and photographs of vehicleswithout requiring additional identification devices to be associatedwith the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,631 issued Apr. 18, 2000 to Busch , et al. Describesan expert system based vehicle damage inspection system which includesreceiving vehicle data. An object of the present invention is to providea method and apparatus which allows the automation or semi-automation ofthe data acquisition process in order to provide lower cost, improveddelivery time for information, and improved quality of information withrespect to the prior art.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,770 issued Aug. 8, 1989 to Mauchan, et al. Describesa special camera for reading VIN numbers. An object of the currentinvention is to provide an economical system which can be assembled fromwidely-available components. U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,065 issued Apr. 18,2000 to Glover describes a VIN reading and transmitting system forproviding a device for automatically detecting a vehicle identificationnumber through radio frequency devices and transmitting the number to adispatch station for immediate identification of the vehicle and owner.An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle informationgathering capability that is compatible with various vehicleidentification techniques.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,31065 issued Mar. 21, 2000 to Green, et al.describes an automobile sales kiosk that provides automobile data andimages to customers. An object of the present invention is to enable anefficient gathering of vehicle information so that the information maybe used to support all sales efforts.

SUMMARY

An apparatus and method are presented to facilitate the semi-automaticacquisition of multiple vehicle photographs and VIN-coded informationabout an automobile and to automatically pass this data to multipleonsite and offsite databases. In one embodiment, four height-adjustabledigital cameras are positioned on the four corner posts defining a workcenter. A vehicle is pulled into the center until a stop indicator lightis triggered, at which time an attendant bar code scans the VIN numberand reviews the proposed photographs of the vehicle at a work centercomputer. Once the photographs and data are acceptable, the attendanttriggers a transfer of the information to local and industry databases.Alternate embodiments include work centers with different postconfigurations, manual entry systems, and completely automated centers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are setforth below and further made clear by reference to the drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing four post-mounted cameras, a barcode scanner, and a computer workstation.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the major data collection steps.

FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart of the data collection step.

FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of the Obtain VIN step.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart of the Obtain Images step.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of the Create Compressed DataFile/Archive and Create Master Data File/Archive for Transmission steps.

FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart of the Send Data Package to InformationService Provider step,

FIG. 8, is a detailed flowchart of the Send Data to Dealer Back OfficeSystem Vendor(s) step.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustrating the data flow between entities.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a fully automated system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of one embodimentof the current invention, the center is established within a rectangularwork area 10 defined within four posts 20, 21, 22, and 23.

In this embodiment, a first post 20 supports a workstation platform 25which holds a notebook computer docking station 71 for a notebookcomputer 70. In alternate embodiments, a second platform may be providedso that one platform supports a computer monitor, and the other platformsupports a desktop computer. In other embodiments, a notebook computermay be used without a docking station.

The first post preferably includes an access panel which can be used toservice the electrical and communications connections, so that the postcan be configured to function alone, or to provide power andcommunications connections to one or more downstream posts. As shown inFIG. 1, post 20 provides connections to a second post 21 and to a thirdpost 22. A fourth post 23, has electrical and communications connectionprovided through post 21, which has an access panel similar to post 20.The electrical connections are preferably provided through a conduitwhich houses an electrical supply and one or more signal cables whichcan carry a video signal, and, in some embodiments control signals forraising or lowering a post. In this manner, all posts may communicatewith the computer positioned at post 20. In some applications, theconduit may be raised to permit persons to walk underneath it.

In this embodiment, the third and fourth posts 22 and 23 are generallyplaced near the rear of a vehicle, and these posts preferably havemounted wheels so that they may be easily repositioned to accommodatevarious sizes of vehicles. The conduit is preferably an adjustablelength conduit, such as an inner sleeve sliding within a larger outersleeve, so that the conduit will lengthen or shorten to accommodatevarious placements of the rear posts. Alternative connections such asretractable conduit may also be used to provide the necessary electricalconnections. In alternate embodiments, the posts may be fixed.

The four posts and the conduit between the posts thus form a framedefining the vehicle work area. A vehicle is driven into the work areaand parked when it comes into contact with stoppers 40. The stoppers arepreferably movable so that they can be positioned according to thevehicle size in order to position the vehicle in an optimum location forthe cameras 30, 31, 32, and 33 which are preferably mounted on theposts. The positioning may be performed manually by the operator such asaccording to various markings on the floor of the service area, or thepositioning of the stopper may be performed automatically, such asthrough a motor controlled by the computer. Alternately, a stop light orother visual or sound indicator may be used in conjunction with a sensorsuch as an ultrasonic or optical path sensor in order to detect theposition of the vehicle's tire or bumper and to cause a signal to bedisplayed so that the operator can position the vehicle appropriately.

Vertical positioning of the cameras is preferably accomplished byraising or lowering pole inserts. Alternately, the camera positioningmay be changed by turning internal portions of the pole. The cameras arepreferably live feed digital cameras so that the vehicle may be viewedon a computer monitor 51 as it enters the work area. In this embodiment,up to four (4) images may appear on the monitor from the camerasinstalled at the four corners of the work area. These images may be livestreaming video feeds, or still shots which are preferably updated everyfew seconds. The images may also be obtained on demand by the operatorpressing a keyboard key, or otherwise providing an instruction to thecomputer. The cameras are preferably have an autofocus capability. Theoperator may also manually adjust a camera's positioning and focus atthe camera, or adjust the camera positioning via the computer terminal,or adjust the camera focus via the computer terminal. Preferably, eachcamera's focus may be adjusted from the computer 70, so that if themonitor 72 displays an image of unacceptable quality, then that camerafocus may be adjusted. Following the adjustment, the operator may reviewthe new image, and either accept the image, or repeat the process untilan acceptable image is provided. In this case, the focus commands arecommunicated from the computer to the camera through a communicationcable in the conduit or wirelessly.

The center attendant then takes a wireless bar scanner 60 from the barscanner holder 61 located on pole 20 near the computer workstation. Thescanner communicates to the computer through a wireless radio frequencyconnection to a port on the computer. Alternately, the scanner may bewired directly to a port on the computer. The bar scanner is preferablylocated next to the removable laptop computer 70 and its docking station71. The bar code scanner is connected to a port on the docking station.The workstation may be provided with a second shelf to support a desktopcomputer if the customer prefers a desktop top a laptop or notebookcomputer. The scanner is preferably an IR barcode hand scanner with anRS232 serial interface.

The attendant scans the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) bar codelabel. The computer receives VIN number, parses and decodes the VINnumber, and displays vehicle and manufacturer information on thecomputer monitor 72, preferably next to the vehicle images on thedisplay. The VIN may be analyzed via a connection to an InformationService Provider and the data and specifications about this vehicle maybe returned to the computer terminal for review and edit by the DataTechnician. The VIN may also be stored temporarily with no decoding.

The computer and scanner are preferably connected to a surge protectiondevice such as a TripLite ISOBar Power Distributor/Surge Suppressiondevice. The operator also has the capability of manually keying in theVIN number for pre-1982 vehicles, Mitsubishi vehicles, and othersituations as necessary. Alternative input devices such as computertouch screens, hand-held computer devices, and keypads may also be used.

The computer program prompts the attendant to finish or to accept thedata and to enter additional data via one or more menus provided in thesoftware application, or through other selection and input methods.Comments and additional information such as vehicle condition, defects,etc, are then typed manually. Once the images are acceptable to theoperator, the images, the VIN, and any edited data may be sent to anInformation Service Provider.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the Information Service Provider 500 providesservices such as this invention's application software to send, receive,collect, assimilate, and transfer data. The data is sent via an Internetconnection, or Network connection, or Telephone Modem connectiondirectly to a dealer's web site 510 to update the dealer's database. Atthis time, the data collected may also be sent via Local Area Network(LAN) connection within the dealership to its back-office sales andaccounting systems such as those provided Reynolds & Reynolds 522, DSI524, ADP 526, VINS 528, or UCS 530. The data is also typically sent toInternet trading or information sites such as Yahoo Auto 540,Auto-Trader 542, Carpoint 544, Autobytel 546, or other applications 548.These transfers may be initiated by pressing a key on a keyboard orkeypad, by computer touch screen, by a wired or wireless hand-helddevice, or by other input mechanism. If additional information isnecessary or desired, the attendant enters this information and hits the“enter” key. Again, the attendant is prompted to accept and finish. Oncethe data is sent, a confirmation message may be displayed, and thecomputer terminal may reset itself for a new vehicle to be processed, ormay be shutdown by the operator.

Referring now to FIG. 2, which is a flowchart of the functions of themajor data collection steps, the data is collected at step 200, packagedinto one or more files in step 300, and then transmitted in step 400.The software platform preferably consists of a 16 bit, 32 bit, or higheroperating system, providing basic kernel functionality, as well assimple command-line interface for Information Service Provideradministration. The operating system is preferably based on an operatingsystem such as DOS, WINDOWS, POSIX (Unix), or the Macintosh operatingsystem. The software is preferably binary-compiled code, written inAssembly, C, C++, Java, Basic, Visual Basic, or Pascal. The software ispreferably compiled to 16 bit, 32 bit, or higher, using ProgrammingLibraries and Modules of the same bit measurement, determined by theoperating system bit measurement. All normal Input and Output (I/O) ispreferably handled by the kernel, operating system, and compilerevent-handlers. The software uses Public Domain Programming Librariesand/or Modules specific to the compiler environment to provide inputdevices, graphic, video, and networking support. The Graphic Drawing andVideo capabilities of the Software are preferably facilitated throughEGA, VGA, or Super VGA modes at an on-screen palette of 16, 256, 32000,64000, or 16000000 colors, and resolution of 320×200, 640×480, 800×600,1024×768, 1280×1024, or 1600×1280. The Networking capabilities of thesoftware are preferably facilitated using TCP/IP via Ethernet/Modem PPPwith a Packet Driver, or alternatively, a TCP-Socket interface, providedby the kernel or operating system. Alternately, modem connections suchas an ASCII BNC-thin-net/Modem with ASCII, Kermit, Xmodem, Ymodem,Zmodem, or other protocol may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the data collection step 200 is comprised ofobtaining the VIN 210 and obtaining images 240. The package data step300 is comprised of creating a compressed Data File/Archive 310 andcreating a Master Data File/Archive for Transmission 340. The send step400 is typically comprised of sending data Package to the InformationService Provider(s) 410 and sending data to one or more Dealer BackOffice System Vendor (or “3^(rd)-Party Vendor”) on Local Area Network(LAN) 430 and to dealer's back office systems 460. Examples of3^(rd)-Party Vendors include getauto.com, MicroSoft's carpoint.com,Yahoo!, classifieds, and autobytel.com.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the Obtain VIN step 200 may be accomplished byeither automatic acquisition 220, such as with a bar code reader, orManually Input VIN 230. Data Input is preferably achieved with acombination of devices. An infrared bar-code scanning device, conformingto ISO specifications may be used to facilitate quick entry of VehicleIdentification Numbers (VINs) equipped with bar codes on vehicles. Thebar code scanning device may be wired to the computer terminal, orwireless with a base transceiver inside or outside the computerterminal. In cases where bar codes are not present on the vehicle, theVIN may be manually entered by the operator via a keyboard, keypad, ortouch-screen. A keypad or keyboard may be wired to the computerterminal, or wireless with a base transceiver inside or outside thecomputer terminal. In the case of wireless devices, the bar code scannerand the keypad/keyboard may be one unit for ease of use. The VIN is thendecoded and data regarding the vehicle is returned at step 222. Thevehicle data may then be manually adjusted or edited 224, and thenaccepted 226. Referring now to FIG. 5, the Obtain Images step 240 ispreferably accomplished by capturing images from cameras 250; adjustingand recapturing images or editing images if necessary at step 260, andaccepting images at step 270. The images are preferably captured by aconnection to a digital camera at step 252 and capturing a still at 254which is displayed on the monitor at step 258. At step 262, the user mayadjust the cameras, such as height or focus, and recapture an image asin steps 252 through 258. The images are typically accepted by the userwith an input button in step 272. In this embodiment, the unit willrequire four (4) camera or video devices connected to the computerterminal via digital serial, parallel, null-modem, usb, scsi,‘firewire’, or any mono-directional or bi-directional wires, dependingupon camera operation requirements. The cameras use a charge coupledevice chip, BTTV, or other digitization (or DSP) chip(s) or videocapture card to convert the visual data to digital data for transmissionto the computer terminal. The digitized image information is transmittedto the computer terminal via a proprietary scheme set by the cameramanufacturer, and is typically processed with a digital video capturecard. Reception and decoding of the camera data is facilitated byspecification libraries provided by the camera manufacturer. Astandardized binary array is achieved from the specification libraries.The binary array may be saved into BMP, JPG, or any Public Domain formatas a file, or manipulated by the Software for visual display to theoperator. The binary array may be saved into BMP, JPG, or any PublicDomain format as a file, or manipulated into the communication data setfor transmission to the Information Service Provider.

Referring now to FIG. 6, which is a detail of the Create Compressed DataFile/Archive 310 and Creating Master Data File/Archive for Transmission340, the textual data is preferably archived to a single file at step320, and then merged with user modified data at step 322. The file iscompressed step 320 and packaged as a file containing decoded VIN dataand user modified data at step 332. At step 350, the data file iscombined with the image file(s) 350. The individual archive files andimage files are collected at step 352 and compressed to a single archivefile. The data collected will typically consist of textual information,such as the VIN, any edited data from the operator such as Make, Model,or Color, and Binary Image data. The textual information will preferablybe recorded to a file, or sent as part of the communication header, bodyor footer. The Binary Image Data is preferably recorded to separatefiles, or sent as part of the communication header, body or footer inUUEncoded, Base64 Encoded, Un-Encoded, or Hexadecimal Representation.The data is preferably archived into a single entity and compressedusing a Public Domain algorithm to speed transmission, especially in thecase of files.

Referring now to FIG. 7, which is a detail of the Send Data Package toInformation 412, to a Dealer Web Site Inventory 414, and through theInternet to one or more Dealer Back Office System Vendor 416. For steps412 and 414, the data is typically uncompressed and unarchived at step420. The textual data is filtered, sorted, and input into databases atstep 422. Images are stored in the database at step 424. The data ispreferably transmitted in TCP Packets, routed via IP Addressing, over astandard Ethernet connection, out into the Internet via a DSL, Cable,ISDN, Fractional Tier, Full Teir Level(s), or any successful Internetconnection and received via standard Internet networking. The data mayalso be transmitted in TCP Packets, routed via IP Addressing, tunneledthrough standard PPP, to an Internet Service Provider, out into theInternet and received via standard Internet networking. The data mayalso be transmitted in Protocol Packets or Data Stream via amodulated/demodulated signal over standard Telephone lines. As analternative to step 416 of sending the data directly to Dealer BackOffice System Vendors, the data may be posted to dealer's back officesystems 460 in formats consistent with those systems such as ASCII 420,Microsoft Excel 464, Microsoft Access 466, dBase II, IV, or V 468, orother format 470. The 3^(rd)-Party Vendor software may then retrieve thefile(s) and update its database.

Referring now to FIG. 8, which is a detail of sending data to dealer(back-office systems) Vendor(s) on Local Area Network (LAN) in step 430,a connection is opened to a database server via a vendor specificproprietary gateway in step 440. The data is filtered, sorted, andtransferred with or without images at step 450. At the request of thedealer, the data is typically transmitted to a 3^(rd)-Part vendor'sback-office system, such as provided by Reynolds & Reynolds, ADP, UCS,or EDS, or posted to a file accessible by such a vendor system. Theformat of the Data may be ASCII fixed or variable delimitation such asfixed width spaces/tabs or character (comma, space, pipe, etc.)delimited with data character qualifiers (double quotes, single quotes,pipes, etc.), Microsoft Excel format, DB, or any supportable format assuggested by the back-office systems vendor. The data is preferablyarchived into a single entity and compressed using a Public Domainalgorithm to speed transmission, especially in the case of files. Thedata transmission is preferably facilitated through the Internet WideArea Network (WAN), or a dealer's Local Area Network (LAN) to dealerVendor(s). The WAN transmission will typically follow standard Internetcommunication procedures. Alternately, a LAN transmission will bedependent upon the capabilities of the 3^(rd)-Party Vendor's system.

Once received by the 3^(rd)-Party Vendor or the Information ServiceProvider, the Data is typically Filtered and Imported into a database.The Filtering Process typically consist of mapping data fields to tablecolumns within the database, during which time data conversion look-upsmay be necessary to maintain data integrity within the database. ForExample, the “Make” of the vehicle may appear as “Ford”, whereas “Ford”is stored in the database as a Manufacturer/Make ID of 14. The Filteringand Import Process is preferably facilitated by data processingprogramming or scripting languages such as Perl, Python, PHP, VisualBasic, VBScript, Java, Javascript, C, C++, in combination with actionmodules such as Stored Procedures, Jobs, Data TransformationServices/Wizards, and being called, initiated or included as CORBAObjects, COM Objects, or any other Object Oriented stylings, not toexclude or supercede Procedural Programming. One method is Visual BasicCOM or Executables, in conjunction with a Microsoft SQL Server DTS Jobusing Stored Procedures to Filter, Import, Filter (if more), Validateand Commit the Data. The data is then made available for display on theworld wide web through the dealer's own website, cityautosearch.com, andother online services from 3^(rd)-Party Vendors.

Alternate Embodiment—Single Post Design

In this embodiment, a single post is provided, typically at the left orright front of the vehicle so that one or more pictures can be taken ofthe front and side of the vehicle. The post supports at least one camerawhich is in communication with a computer preferably positioned on asupport shelf located on the post. A second shelf supports an optionalprinter or a desktop computer. The post also supports a bar code scannerwhich may be wired to the computer, or which may communicate wirelesslyto the computer. The post is preferably adjustable in height to permitvarious camera angles.

Alternate Embodiment—Two Post Design

In this embodiment, two post are provided, typically at the left orright front of the vehicle and at the opposite rear corner of thevehicle so that one or more pictures can be taken of the front and oneside of the vehicle, and that one or more pictures can be taken of theback and the other side of the vehicle. The first post supports at leastone camera which is in communication with a computer preferablypositioned on a support shelf located on the post. A second shelfsupports an optional printer or a desktop computer. The post alsosupports a bar code scanner which may be wired to the computer, or whichmay communicate wirelessly to the computer. The post is preferablyadjustable in height to permit various camera angles. The second postalso supports at least one camera which is in communication with acomputer. The posts are preferably connected by at least one conduithousing an electrical supply wiring and communications cables.

Alternate Embodiment—Handheld Camera

In this embodiment, no posts are provided, and the images are capturedon a digital camera which is help by an operator. The automobile ispreferably parked in a designated parking spot. The operator walksaround the vehicle taking exterior shots from several, preferablypredefined, positions such as drivers side, rear of vehicle, passengerside, and front. The operator may also take pictures of the interior ofthe vehicle if desired. In this embodiment, the pictures are preferablydisplayed on the camera so that the operator can accept an image beforegoing to the next photographing location. Alternately, the operator maytake a series of pictures which are downloaded and viewed on a computermonitor and either accepted or retaken. A computer workstation ispreferably located near the designated parking spot. The operatorpreferably scans a bar-coded VIN number with either a wireless scannercommunicating with the computer; or with a scanner directly connected toa port on the computer. The camera is in communication with the computerso that images are captured directly. The processing of the informationproceeds as described in the embodiments above. The processing of theinformation occurs in real time, which is defined here as being within afew minutes of the start of the data acquisition process as contrastedby the several days required by prior art processes. The real timeperformance of the data acquisition provides both cost savings anddramatically reduced turnaround time relative to existing procedures.

Alternate Embodiment—Rolling Tripod Mounts with Drop Down Connections

In this embodiment, one or more camera mounts are provided on wheeledtripods that may be pushed to a desired location. Electrical power andcommunication cables are provided from above as drop-down connections

Alternate Embodiment—Wire Guided Robotic Camera Mount

In this embodiment, a guide wire is preferably buried in the flooraround a vehicle work area. One or more motorized camera mounts travelaround the floor above the wire path, stopping at various locations toacquire an image. At least one camera is mounted on each camera mount.If multiple cameras are used, they are preferably mounted at differentheights to get different views of the vehicle. The camera mount drivemechanism is in wireless communication with the computer, and thecomputer provides instructions on the stopping location(s) for thecamera mounts.

Alternate Embodiment—Robotic Camera Track

In this embodiment, a track is provided for a motorized camera mountsimilar to the above-described embodiment. One or more camera mounts arepositioned within the track, and one or more cameras are supported oneach mount. The camera mount drive mechanism may be controlledwirelessly, or by cable connection to the computer.

Alternate Embodiment—Elevated Camera Track

In this embodiment, the frame is comprised of one or more posts whichsupport at least one elevated track provided above and around at least aportion of the vehicle so that the camera mount may be positioned atvarious locations around the vehicle. The positioning may be performedmanually, through motorized wireless or with cabled camera mounts asdescribed in previous embodiments. In cabled connections, the cable issupported by the track so that it remains above the ground and out ofthe way of ground personnel. This elevated configuration also permitsthe vehicle work center floor space to be used for other purposes. In analternative elevated embodiment, the camera mounts are pivoted arms sothat a track is not necessary.

Alternate Embodiment—Virtual Tour

In this embodiment, additional external and internal vehicle images areacquired so that the images can be presented to a potential customer ina manner that approximates walking around the vehicle to inspect it, andlooking inside the vehicle. The additional images may be acquired fromfixed post-mounted cameras, from one or more track-mounted cameras, orfrom one or more handheld cameras. The application software then permitsthe images to be presented in a slide show format in either a defaultorder or in an order specified by the user. Internal vehicle images aretypically obtained by providing supplemental lighting to the cameras andopening vehicle doors and/or windows to permit the cameras to focus onsections of the vehicle interior. This embodiment typically requires 15or more images of the vehicle, and in the case of higher end vehicles,additional images may be desirable.

Alternate Embodiment—Fully Automated System

Referring now to FIG. 10, a single driver/operator drives a vehicle 11through a station having fixed cameras in an automated processing center500. The driver preferably uses a bar scanner with a wireless connectionto a computer to capture the bar code. A stop indicator 510 provides asignal for the driver to park temporarily as the images are acquired.When the image files are successfully created, a “go” indicator 520 isprovided. In this manner, one or more drivers can process cars asquickly as the drivers can move the vehicles through the station.

Alternate Embodiment—Radio Frequency Identification

In this embodiment, a unique vehicle identification is obtained from aunique radio frequency identification devices which may becross-referenced to additional information, such as maintained on amanufacturer's database. An operator can scan a passive device bypassing a wireless or wired reader within a short distance of the deviceand obtaining the radio frequency device's identification. In otherembodiments, a typically battery powered device can provide both anidentification and additional information about the vehicle which isstored in a memory device. A fixed reader may also be used to obtain theRFID, so that the reader may be mounted near the vehicle.

Alternate Embodiment—Other Vin Identification Techniques

Other electronic techniques include radio transmittal of the VIN number,unique radio frequency identification devices which may becross-referenced to additional information. One manual technique iskeyboard entry on palm computer devices, preferably wirelesslycommunicating with the computer. Another manual technique is to have oneoperator calling out the VIN number to a second operator who enters thenumber through the computer keyboard. In the case of manual entry, it isdesirable to determine data such as the year, make, model, etc. of thevehicle, and to have displayed that data on a computer in order toprovide a partial confirmation that the accuracy of the VIN number.

Alternate Embodiment—Video Camera

An alternative to a digital camera is to use a video camera. In thisembodiment, one or more video cameras are used to capture the digitalimages. The operator reviews the video clips, preferably on the computermonitor, and selects appropriate views of the vehicle for the images.

Alternate Embodiment—Handheld Data Collection

In this embodiment, a dedicated handheld data collection unit is used tocapture the VIN and the images which are then downloaded over anInternet connection to a computer elsewhere.

Alternate Embodiment—Remote Processing

In this embodiment, the data acquisition software resides on a remoteapplication server. In this case, the computer is the server which isaccessed via the Internet or similar remote connection. The camera andthe VIN reader are onsite, and feed their data directly over the remoteconnection in the application server for processing. A second computer,which serves as an Internet access terminal is present at the dealersite.

1. A vehicle identification center, the center comprising a frameincluding a plurality of camera mounting means, the frame defining anopen area for positioning the vehicle within the frame; a plurality ofdigital cameras, such that at least one camera is mounted on each cameramounting means; a Vehicle Identification Number detection means; and acomputer workstation, the workstation having a CPU, a monitor, and akeypad entry device.
 2. The vehicle identification center of claim 1wherein the Vehicle Identification Number detection means is a bar codescanner.
 3. The vehicle identification center of claim 2 wherein the barcode scanner is connected to the computer workstation so that theVehicle Identification Number may be read into the computer.
 4. Thevehicle identification center of claim 2 wherein the bar code scanner iswirelessly connected to the computer workstation so that the VehicleIdentification Number may be read into the computer.
 5. The vehicleidentification center of claim 2 wherein the bar code scanner isconnected to a palm computer device so that the Vehicle IdentificationNumber may be read into the palm computer device.
 6. The vehicleidentification center of claim 1 further comprising at least one vehiclestop location indicator, such that the indicator provides an indicationof the optimum stopping location for a vehicle in the vehicleidentification center.
 7. The vehicle identification center of claim 1wherein the camera mounting means is an adjustable post including aheight-adjustment means such that the height of the camera may beadjusted according to the type of vehicle in the vehicle identificationcenter.
 8. The vehicle identification center of claim 1 wherein thecamera mounting means is a movable post, such that post has at least twowheels.
 9. The vehicle identification center of claim 8 wherein thecamera mounting means has a tripod base, such that the camera mountingmeans may be manually moved from one position to another position. 10.The vehicle identification center of claim 7 wherein theheight-adjustment means is manually operated.
 11. The vehicleidentification center of claim 7 wherein the height-adjustment means ismotorized and controlled by the computer workstation.
 12. The vehicleidentification center of claim 1 wherein the frame is comprised of aplurality of posts and conduit connecting each post to at least oneother post.
 13. The vehicle identification center of claim 1 wherein theframe is comprised of at least one post and an elevated track such thatthe post supports the elevated track and the camera mounting means issupported by the elevated track.
 14. The vehicle identification centerof claim 13 wherein the camera mounting means are movable along theelevated track.
 15. The vehicle identification center of claim 1 whereinthe cameras are live feed digital cameras.
 16. The vehicleidentification center of claim 9 wherein the camera images are displayedon the computer monitor.
 17. The vehicle identification center of claim1 wherein the computer workstation is a notebook computer.
 18. Thevehicle identification center of claim 1 wherein the computerworkstation is a palm computer.
 19. The vehicle identification center ofclaim 1 wherein the camera mounting means are robotically controlledfrom the computer workstation such that the computer workstation mayissue a command to move the camera mounting means from a first positionto a second position.
 20. A vehicle identification center, the centercomprising a frame, the frame comprising a first adjustable-height frontpost, the first post including a computer work surface, a first digitalcamera mount, and an electrical connection from the first camera mountto the computer work surface, a second adjustable-height front post, thesecond post including a second digital camera mount, and an electricalconnection from the second camera mount to the computer work surface, athird adjustable-height rear post, the third post including a thirddigital camera mount, and an electrical connection from the third cameramount to the computer work surface, the third post including a pair ofwheels which permit movement of the third post, and such that theelectrical connection of the third post is an adjustable-lengthconnection between the first post and the third post, and a fourthadjustable-height rear post, the fourth post including a fourth digitalcamera mount, and an electrical connection from the fourth camera mountto the computer work surface, the fourth post including a pair of wheelswhich permit movement of the fourth post, and such that the electricalconnection of the fourth post is an adjustable-length connection betweenthe second post and the fourth post, the first post, second post, thirdpost, and fourth post thereby defining corners of a rectangular workingarea such that an automotive vehicle may be positioned within theworking area; a vehicle stop location indicator attached to the frame,such that the indicator provides an indication of the optimum stoppinglocation for a vehicle in the vehicle identification center; a computerworkstation, such that the computer workstation may be placed on thecomputer work surface, the computer workstation having a CPU, a monitor,and a keypad entry device; four digital cameras, such that a camera ismounted on the digital camera mount of each post, such that each camerais connected to the computer workstation so that the monitor willdisplay the camera images; and a bar code scanner for reading thevehicle's Vehicle Identification Number, such that the bar code scanneris connected to the computer workstation.
 21. A vehicle identificationcenter, the center comprising a means for mounting a digital camera ateach of the four corners of a rectangular working space; a means foradjusting the height of each digital camera; a means for displaying theimages from the digital cameras; a means for focussing the image fromeach digital camera; a means for accepting the image of each camera intoa computer database; a means for indicating the appropriate positioningof a vehicle in the working space; and a means for obtaining the VehicleIdentification Number (VIN) of the vehicle and recording the VIN into acomputer database.
 22. A vehicle identification center, the centercomprising a means for mounting a digital camera at any of the fourcorners of a rectangular working space; a means for adjusting the heightof each digital camera; a means for displaying the images from eachdigital camera; a means for focussing the image from each digitalcamera; a means for accepting the image of each digital camera into afirst computer file; a means for indicating the appropriate positioningof a vehicle in the working space; a means for obtaining the VehicleIdentification Number (VIN) of the vehicle and recording the VIN into asecond computer file; a means for consolidating the first computer fileand the second computer file into a single computer file stored on afirst computer; and a means for transferring the single computer file toa second computer.